Longlease Bernese Mountain Dogs RIP Simbo my Monster Pup 29th August '99 - 7th October '04 Sadly lost to Malignant Histiocytosis Just a few weeks ago I was very concerned about Simbo, the weekend of 11th September. A few days before had been refusing his biscuits but eating well of raw meat, sardines and cheese! By the Sunday would only eat if I coax fed him roasted chicken and I could feel he had rapidly lost weight! To our vet on the Monday! Ros was also very concerned and on the Tuesday we did blood and urine samples and x-rays as she had felt some enlargement in the spleen area! Tests showed he was mildly anaemic, though the other blood work was in normal ranges, x-rays showed some enlargement of liver, spleen and some strange growth in the stomach. I was already fearing Histio here! Ros was thinking more hopefully to an internal Lymphosarcoma. Thursday we took Simmy down to the Quantock Veterinary Hospital to meet with Oncologist, Tom Cave, who thankfully was fully aware of my concerns as he has much experience of Bernese and the research being done re. Histio in this our Bernese. On the Friday needle biopsies were taken of the spleen, liver and bone marrow and then the nail biting wait for the results. Simmy - L home at last after all those biopsies and still wobbly from the morphine! "Hey, Jean! What happened to the hair on my belly, who shaved it off?" When the final results came in, Simmy had Malignant Histiocytosis as I had feared all along. The last couple of weeks we had been taking it day by day! No miraculous cure for this Killer Cancer, the most we could do was keep my Monster Pup comfortable. We had gone beyond the hours, days, and some weeks along the line. Simmy had been on Prednisone and initially his appetite improved, had been eating some 2/3 lbs of raw beef daily though refusing most other foods. 6th October Update Sunny, has stayed close to Simbo these weeks as has Sooty the Cat Sim, has now lost so much more weight, I fear so for my Boy! Tomorrow we take him in for further blood tests but I know his gums and tongue now are so very pale, this horrific cancer is just gobbling up his red blood cells and we are so helpless to stop this happening! He is being so very courageous! I must not break down and cry as I write this! We stay brave for Simbo, my Monster Pup, until the very end. Tonight he is outside there with Sunny and Barney. Maintaining quality of life is all we can do now but is so very hard. October 7th Update Last night I had to help Simmy back inside, I helped him up on the bed and we cuddled. In such a few short weeks from a proud, strong dog who was such a gentle giant he was weak and emaciated and so very sad but his sadness was for me. People have often asked me "How do you know when the time comes?" and my reply has always been, "Your pet will tell you, just look into their eyes." Simbo told me that he needed my help and there was only one way I could do it now and I had to be brave for him. This morning we helped Simmy to the Bridge with so much love, he went peacefully and easily and died in my arms. His final gift was that we drew blood samples that have been sent to the Oncology Research Centre at the Animal Health Trust here in the UK who are currently doing Research into cancer in the Bernese Mountain Dog. We have sent off these samples and all the biopsy and pathology reports that were done a few weeks ago at the Quantock Vetinerary Hospital, Bridgewater, UK. Over the last five years, Simmy has been at my feet as I have worked on the computer of an evening doing my various websites and helping with raising awareness of these awful diseases and have made new pages on the Histio Roll Call Site for our Berners who have died from Malignant Histiocytosis. He wanted to do his best to help for the future that other Berner Owners do not have to suffer this grief and loss and that one day we will find an answer. Run free at the Rainbow Bridge my Simmy, Monster Pup, until we meet again. Making that final decision to say GoodBye You're giving me a special gift, So sorrowfully endowed, And through these last few cherished days, Your courage makes me proud. But really, love is knowing When your best friend is in pain, And understanding earthly acts Will only be in vain. So looking deep into your eyes, Beyond, into your soul, I see in you the magic, that will Once more make me whole. The strength that you possess, Is why I look to you today, To do this thing that must be done, For it's the only way. That strength is why I've followed you, And chose you as my friend, And why I've loved you all these years... My partner till the end. Please, understand just what this gift You're giving, means to me, It gives me back the strength I've lost, And all my dignity. You take a stand on my behalf, For that is what friends do. And know that what you do is right, For I believe it too. So one last time, I breathe your scent, And through your hand I feel, The courage that's within you, To now grant me this appeal. Cut the leash that holds me here, Dear friend, and let me run, Once more a strong and steady dog, My pain and struggle done. And don't despair my passing, For I won't be far away, Forever here, within your heart, And memory I'll stay. I'll be there watching over you, Your ever faithful friend, And in your memories I'll run, ... A well dog once again. author unknown ****************** Simmy had a special cremation! His ashes were returned to us in a beautiful terracotta pot! His final resting place under the apple tree in the orchard alongside Samson, Tinka, Perry, Pru and the rest of my Rainbow Gang. When we turned to look back, the most amazing sight: Simmy's Rainbow, running free again! Biggest Berner Hugs XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Histio Roll Call Site and for more information: <click here> * Next Page - and Life Goes on* *Samson's Story. *My Gang .* Sunny,Simmy&Barney,* Friend's Gallery.* *In Loving Memory*Links. *Humour. *Guestbook. * Bernese Art* *Articles & Info, *Berner Shop *Recent Updates* *Longlease Home Page*